University of Manchester
(Barnes Wallis Building)

Thursday 14th - Sunday 17th August

Welcome to BRITCON OLYMPIAD and to University of Manchester. This is your Delegate information pack, which will provide you with the information that you require to help make your stay an enjoyable one.

ARMY LISTS
Where applicable all army lists must be sent to the relevant period umpire, or list checker, by e-mail. Where this is not possible please enclose a stamped addressed envelope with any correspondence. The list should be sent in good time but no later than the date specified in your period rules or before the 26th July if no date has been specified. The organisers reserve the right to impose penalties on any player who submits a list after the indicated date. All other communications must be sent to the BHGS preferably by e-mail BHGS@slitherine.co.uk or at the address shown on this pack, enclosing a S.A.E. 

NATIONAL RANKINGS
The tournament counts as a GRAND SLAM event in respect of UK National Rankings in the relevant periods.

WEB SITE
All information relating to BRITCON OLYMPIAD and other BHGS news and information can be obtained by visiting our Web site at WWW.BHGS.CO.UK.  

PERIOD CANCELLATION
In the event that there are insufficient players to make your chosen period viable (normally less than 6 players), you will be offered another period or a refund.

DIRECTIONS
Wherever your starting point, you will find travel to Manchester is quick and easy. University of Manchester is conveniently situated close to the motorway and is served by Piccadilly and Oxford Road train stations ( London is a mere two and a half hours away by train). Manchester airport, one of Europe's biggest and fastest growing international airports, is also on the doorstep. Within the city, getting around by bus, Metrolink ( Manchester's tram service) or taxi is straightforward. The Barnes Wallis Restaurant at the University of Manchester where the event is centred is within easy walking distance of Piccadilly and the city centre. HOW TO GET THERE

CAR PARKING FOR ALL TRADE & DISPLAY DELEGATES
Car parking has been arranged for all Traders and Display Gamers (one Vehicle Only) and is free of charge. On arrival you should report to the main Security lodge on Sackville Street and enter at the right hand side. Security Staff will then direct you to the parking area. You must park in this area at all times. After you have located the parking area make your way to the unloading bay at the Harwood Room to unload. After unloading you must return your vehicle to the parking area.

PARKING and ACCESS DISC
This has been sent to you separately or it will be held for you at the main registration desk located in the Barnes Wallis Building. Do not forget it or lose it, as you will not be permitted to enter the unloading or parking areas without it. You will be required to enter your name and vehicle registration.

CAR PARKING FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL DELEGATES
All Car parking for residential delegates is in the adjacent NCP Car Park in Charles Street. The BHGS will refund (on presentation of an appropriate car parking ticket) the cost of parking for the entire event, for residential delegates sharing a vehicle. Refund not to exceed 4 full days parking. Any additional costs incurred by removing and re-parking your vehicle throughout the event will not be covered. Please look after your car parking ticket, as we cannot refund without this.

DAYS INN and WESTON HALL, ARRIVAL / ACCOMMODATION CHECK IN PROCEDURE.
On arrival at the main entrance on Sackville Street, please report to the reception desk and inform them that you are booked through the BHGS.  Normal hotel registration will then follow. All rooms are available from 2pm on the day of arrival.

CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES, ARRIVAL / ACCOMMODATION CHECK IN PROCEDURE.
Please make your way to the Charles Street Car Park and from there to the Chandos Hall Reception to register for your accommodation , from here all accommodation is within 200 yards. All rooms are available from 2pm on the day of arrival, and are supplied with towels and soap. Tea/coffee making facilities are provided in the en-suite rooms and in the adjoining kitchens for standard packages. Delegates are advised to bring adapters as not all rooms have shaving points.

CHECKOUT.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ACCOMMODATION MUST BE VACATED BEFORE 9am on Sunday . A left luggage area will be provided in each hall of residence and note that the University will levy a charge of £25 for any keys/key cards that are not returned

COMPETITION REGISTRATION.
The competition registration desk will be situated in the Barnes Wallis Restaurant . All delegates must check into their accommodation before reporting here. You should aim to register for the competitions no l ater than 8pm on Friday.At registration you will be allocated your delegate number and badge, which you should wear at all times and you wi ll receive any last minute instructions and be given your copy of the BRITCON JOURNAL. Remember to enter your badge into the draw at the end of the week-end; the winner gets free standard accommodation and entry to next year's event

When you register, you confirm that you are available to commence your first game and you will be allocated an opponent.  You must then proceed immediately to your table.

DISABLED ACCESS

Disabled Access to the building is via a lift adjacent to the front entrance to the Barnes Wallis Restaurant. There is an alternate lift via the rear car park. It is recommended that visitors wishing to use these facilities report to the registration desk on arrival or contact the BHGS in advance (+44 708...).

PRACTICE DAYS
The practice days are intended to allow all of you who can "sneak in", an extra day or two's wargaming, to come early. Get in that last minute practice or simply chill out in the Wargamers Bar. Practise sessions will commence from 10am on Thursday morning.

JUNIOR COMPETITORS / CONCESSIONS
In order to encourage our junior players to become more involved in tournament play the BHGS has adopted a policy of free entry including free standard accommodation for all 18 year olds and under, who are taking part in an historical period.  If under 16 years of age they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  Additionally full time students are eligible for entry at half price if taking part in an historical period.  Upgraded accommodation is possible by payment of the difference between the upgrade and the standard price. All offers are restricted to BHGS members 

THE WARGAMERS BAR(S)
There will be two bars this year, The Barnes Wallis Bar adjacent to the gaming area in the Barnes Wallis Room, which will be available for drinks as follows: -
Bar from 11.00am on Friday/Saturday and 12.00 noon on Sunday
Harry’s Bar below the main gaming hall will be available for drinks each evening.   The Barnes Wallis Room and the Mumford Room will also be available for hot/cold food on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes. Don’t forget that as usual the PUB QUIZ is scheduled for Saturday night and once again there will be valuable prizes. In addition presentation of the YELLOW JERSEYS will be made to the successful players at this stage of the competitions. PLEASE NOTE: that bringing your own snacks / refreshments into the gaming is not permitted.

THE YELLOW JERSEY
The Period Leaders in the clubhouse on Saturday Evening will be awarded this coveted item of sartorial elegance in recognition of their achievements so far. They will also be rewarded with a drink’s voucher for £5, so that they can buy the organisers a drink. All PREVIOUS YELLOW JERSEY WINNERS are invited to wear their prized jerseys on this occasion. MAKE IT YELLOW JERSEY NIGHT!

BREAKFASTS
Please wear your badges at all times but especially when arriving for breakfast . Staff will request payment from any delegate not wearing the appropriate badge as breakfasts may be purchased by none residential delegates. Residents staying in the Weston Hall of Residence or the Days Inn will take breakfast in the Days Inn Restaurant.  Residents staying in the Chandos, Wright Robinson & Lambert Halls should take breakfast in the Mumford Room
FRIDAY ~ Breakfast will be served from 7.45am till 9.00am
SATURDAY ~ Breakfast will be served from 7.00am till 8am. Remember those taking part in the competitions must be at their games by 8.15am
SUNDAY ~ Breakfast will be served from 7.00am till 9.15am. This will allow those not involved in the competitions more time to recover from last nights debauchery. Remember those taking part in the competitions must be at their games by 8.30am irrespective of their condition.

DINNER
We have made no specific arrangement for dinner, believing that Delegates may want to sample the Culinary and other delights available in Manchester. However as previously mentioned there will be food available in the locations detailed, and don’t forget to allow time for the PUB QUIZ on Saturday night and the presentation of the YELLOW JERSEYS.

FANTASY WARGAMES
At registration you will be given a copy of the BRITCON JOURNAL containing an entry form for FANTASY WARGAMES (no it’s not Warhammer), it’s a bit like fantasy Football but wetter. Pick a team of players that you think will do best this weekend, there is a prize for the best and the worst entries.

BEST DISPLAY / DEMONSTRATION / PARTICIPATION GAME
An award will be made to the best Display / Demonstration / Participation game at this years BRITCON. The judges will take into account all aspects of the game and the presentation team.  If you have a view and want to try and influence the judges make sure you spend plenty of time in the Wargamers Bar.

TRADERS AWARD
A trophy and a prize including a free 6’ stand at next years BRITCON will be awarded to the "BEST TRADER" at this year’s show. The judges will take into account presentation, stock, personality and any other relevant issues. They are of course open to" bribery".  Give us your opinion.

FIRE PROCEDURES
All Delegates must make themselves aware of the fire procedure notices, which are located throughout the campus. These notices contain information as to the action to be taken in the event of discovery of fire or hearing the fire alarm sounders and with regards to the designated areas of assembly after evacuating a building. Please ensure that you are aware of the fire procedures for each building used.

LIABILITY
Neither the BHGS nor the University will accept any liability whatsoever for loss or damage occurring to any property, equipment or motor vehicles whilst at the University, delegates are advised to arrange their own insurance where this is required. No animals are allowed.

MEDICAL
In the event that you require Medical assistance or you wish to report an accident, injury or other illnesses you should initially report to a member of the BHGS team and they will contact the duty first aider. Outside of these times emergency cover is provided by telephoning the Security Lodge on extension 64999.The nearest hospital with an accident and emergency department is The Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), Oxford Road, Manchester: Tel: 0161 276 1234 The nearest Chemist is Cameolord, 7 Oxford Street, St Peters Square, Tel: 0161 236 1445 (Open every day 8am-midnight)

SMOKING
Smoking is  NOT prohibited within any University buildings. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER WILL SMOKING BE ALLOWED IN THE GAMES HALLS.

TAXIS
Local Taxi firms include Radio Cars ~ 0161 236 8033 & Mantax ~ 0161 230 3333

LOST PROPERTY
Lost property will be retained for a period of 28 days after BRITCON. Telephone the conference office on 0161 306 4066 to make any enquiries. Payment for the cost of postage to return lost property must be made in advance.

ITINERARY

THURSDAY

EARLY ARRIVALS & PRACTICE DAY
In order to extend you stay even longer it is now possible to check in on Thursday allowing you time for that extra practise game or just soak up the atmosphere in the Wargamers Bar. Tables will be available from 10am

FRIDAY

PRACTICE DAY
The extra day has proved to be very popular in past years and will allow you time to fit in a few practise games, try out another period or simply chill out in the Wargamers Bar before getting down to the real business of the week-end.

1 st ROUND COMPETITIONS FRIDAY EVENING
The start and finish times for the first round games are flexible, however they will not start later than 9pm. Nor finish later than Midnight. After a minimum period of 3 hours has been played (this may differ for individual periods) the game will end when one player has defeated the other, or by mutual consent.  In any event no bounds or game turns may be commenced after 11.45pm. (Variable Game duration)

SATURDAY

2 nd ROUND COMPETITIONS SATURDAY MORNING
Start Time 8.15am or earlier if players wish. Finish 11.45am. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3.5 hour approx. game duration). Doors open to public 10am

3 rd ROUND SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Start Time 12.30pm or earlier if players wish. Finish 4.00pm. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3.5 hour approx. game duration).

4 th ROUND SATURDAY EVENING
Start Time 4.45pm or earlier if players wish. Finish 8.15pm. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3.5 hour approx. game duration)

PUB QUIZ SATURDAY EVENING
Start time 10.30pm. Secret viewing of tomorrows draw. Followed by the presentation of the Yellow Jerseys. After this you are free to explore the late night delights of Manchester.

SUNDAY

5 th ROUND SUNDAY MORNING
Start Time 8.30am latest. Finish 12.00pm. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3.5 hour approx. game duration). Doors open to public 10am

SHOPPING FRENZY
Extended lunch break from 12pm till 1.30pm to visit the trade stands and pick up all your wargaming needs. It is advisable to place your orders earlier and use this time for collections.

6 th ROUND SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Start Time 1.30pm latest. Finish 5.00pm. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3.5 hour approx. game duration)

PRIZE GIVING SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Start Time 5.45pm approx. A prize draw using delegate's badges to win a free En-Suite package entry to next years BRITCON will be held at the end of the prize giving. The winner must be available to receive the award or the winning badge will be drawn again. IT HAPPENED in '97 ! (This prize is non transferable and cannot be carried forward to future years, nor will money to the value be paid).

SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE COMPETITION AREAS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

PLAYERS ARE FREE TO COMMENCE GAMES EARLIER THAN THE PUBLISHED TIMES ! The scoring system will generally be Swiss Chess, but you should consult your period rules. The rules, a sample score sheet and any rule clarifications specific to your period are available, or will be supplied to you at a later stage by your period Umpire. All Figures, models and terrain must be painted and based to an acceptable and appropriate standard.

UMPIRES
The period umpires are as follows. Note that only Incoming phone calls are possible.

Please remember to supply a S.A.E. when corresponding with the umpires or list checkers, in respect of rule interpretations or army lists. All other communications must be to the organisers and again a S.A.E. is needed if you require an answer. Where possible we request that you communicate by e-mail

We hope that your weekend will be an enjoyable one, so leave your troubles behind and help make this the wargaming extravaganza of the year !!